Addressing our country’s workforce development challenges is no longer a big business problem. In fact, small businesses may yet deliver the most innovative and important solutions for creating real pathways to opportunity in today’s economy.

When economists and editorialists speak in worried tones about America’s “skills gap,” they’re referring to the mounting number of jobs that require some degree of technical know-how and the relative dearth of qualified candidates to fill them.

Many of us are aware of the benefits of adding berries, spinach, olive oil, and garlic to our diets—in addition to being delicious, these ‘superfoods’ can help us avoid illness and improve well-being. What if such a thing existed for the workplace as well?

There’s a lot of work to do and not enough skilled people to do it. That was the message U.S. Chamber President and CEO delivered at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Talent Forward event. “There’s no question that the American workforce is the finest in the world,” said Donohue. “But, if we are going to keep that advantage, if we are going to keep the promise of opportunity to future generations of Americans, we have some work to do.”

Over two years ago we set a goal of engaging 1,000 employers in the TPM strategy to help them build those partnerships and create sustainable pipelines of skilled talent for their industry. Since TPM’s launch, we have surpassed that goal. Today, more than 1,500 employers across 26 states are using TPM as their strategy to address their talent needs. And while we are excited about the energy within the TPM movement, exceeding our goal is not permission to slow down.

Responding to the needs of state and local chambers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today launched a new premier business leadership program to help address their most pressing education and workforce issues. The Business Leads Fellowship Program will train and equip fellows with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address these challenges.

Over the past 10 years, the state of Georgia has aggressively invested in linking public education with the needs of industry by creating a statewide network of 46 College and Career Academies, while significantly expanding dual enrollment, industry apprenticeships, and post-secondary opportunities for high school students. These opportunities allow students to obtain industry credentials for quality, in-demand jobs that meet the needs of each community’s workforce.

Last week the administration launched what it termed “the next step” in its economic agenda: a sweeping, administration-wide effort to equip the American workforce to succeed in the modern economy. To propel this initiative forward, it is seeking advice and cooperation from leaders in business and education. Our message at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is simple: Count us in. We look forward to continuing our work with the administration on this issue of critical importance to the entire business community.